This is a re-creation of a Helicoprion, which lived 270 million years ago and is the only animal ever with a complete 360-degree spiralof teeth.(Picture from:http://www.bbc.co.uk/)

The fossil, discovered in Idaho, has a whorl measuring 23 cm with 117 individual teeth. Unlike other specimens, the fossil also includes impressions of the cartilage structures.

Helicoprion the name of the shark believed to be the early ancestors of sharks that exist today. Then that makes it unique is the ancient shark teeth arranged circular sharp lower jaw. Spiral-shaped teeth that rotate each time the shark ripping and tearing its prey's body.

This conclusion was drawn after scientists reconstruct the shape of the jaw shark Helicoprion with three-dimensional scanner. "The spiral-tooth was in the back of the mouth, right next to the back of the lower jaw joint," said Leif Tapanila, who led the study, on March 6, 2013.

The team of scientists analyzed hundreds of fossil specimens spiral-shaped teeth found in several locations around the world. Only shark teeth preserved, while the shark skeleton made ​​of cartilage, like modern sharks, so it can harden into fossils.

With a body length of about 8 meters and a weight of 0.5 tons, Helicoprion recorded as the largest and longest shark that ever lived on Earth. Tapanila said none of the modern sharks that match this record.

Helicoprion appearance has long puzzled scientists. Especially about the spiral shape of the teeth that works like a chain saw. "Now we have learned that the shark shape, tooth position of the spiral, as well as how to eat," said Tapanila. *** [BBC | MAHARDIKA SATRIA HADI | KORAN TEMPO 4164]

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